San Diego Blog Stories

Within this blog you will find everything from Funeral planning for Veterans to Newborn photography. While we capture many events and share as much information as possible, our main goal is to serve others. We currently do that by providing information and curating things that are needed, primarily for our Military community in Southern California.

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From Tattoos to Training: How Recent Changes Policy are Reshaping the Marine Corps | MCRD San Diego, CA | Staff Sergeant  Mary Phaly
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From Tattoos to Training: How Recent Changes Policy are Reshaping the Marine Corps | MCRD San Diego, CA | Staff Sergeant Mary Phaly

2 huge changes for the Corps: Female Recruits allowed at MCRD San Diego and tattoo Full Sleeve policy changes have shaped where Staff Sergeant Mary Phaly is today! Enjoy some policy history and get excited about how this Drill Instructor is trailblazing away! E6 in 6, getting a bachelors degree, martial arts, and more.

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First Reservist Marine to EVER Hold This Title
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First Reservist Marine to EVER Hold This Title

First Reservist Marine to EVER Hold This Title

Drill Master DI Ribbon Hat Ceremony | MCRD San Diego, CA

Staff Sgt Andrew Brand has been stationed at Marine Corps Recruit Depot in San Diego with Golf Company for some time. He started off as a regular Drill Instructor, and finished off his time as Drill Master September of 2022.

This was no easy feat; Staff Sgt needed to extend his orders as a reservist and promise his time -far- beyond what was originally expected.

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How to get into USS Midway for FREE!
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How to get into USS Midway for FREE!

Want to get into USS Midway for free?

USS Midway Museum is offering free admission to all Marines who have just graduated from MCRD San Diego. This offer is good for immediate family members and guests. Simply stop by the admissions desk at USS Midway museum on your graduation day and let them know you are a new Marine.

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ECHO Co MCRD Graduation Day 03.11.22
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ECHO Co MCRD Graduation Day 03.11.22

Here are amazing families of the nation’s newest Marines. I met up with these folks at Liberty Station, formerly known as the Naval Training Center San Diego, which welcomed its first Navy recruits in 1923 and closed after 60 years. Liberty Station is now San Diego's Town Square and perfectly replicates Marine Corps Recruit Depots architecture.

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LIMA Co MCRD Family Day 02.24.22
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LIMA Co MCRD Family Day 02.24.22

272 Marines celebrating family day, 24 February 2022, with Lima Company, 3rd Battalion, at Marine Corps Recruit Depot (MCRD) San Diego, CA, and join over a million other Marines in an amazing legacy!

I am SO blessed to be able to do this for YOUR families; my heart truly lies here, serving you in a different way.

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MCRD Bootcamp intro for new recruit families
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MCRD Bootcamp intro for new recruit families

When your son, daughter, brother, sister, or significant other sets out to stand on those yellow footprints of MCRD Parris Island or San Diego, it can be confusing to get caught up in the military lingo. This momentous occasion mostly seems like hectic confusion and a whole lot of yelling for them as well! Here are the top 10 things you should know to be informed about your recruit’s time in Bootcamp.

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MCRD San Diego, CA | India CO Graduation Day | Rainy Day | First Cancellation
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MCRD San Diego, CA | India CO Graduation Day | Rainy Day | First Cancellation

COVID-19 Cancels Marine Boot Camp Graduations MCRD San Diego, CA.

Families were excited and ready to see their new marine until 9 am when it was announced all events were canceled, so was graduation, and to leave base immediately! NO ONE expected this; morale plummeted.

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Marine Corps Recruit Family Day + First Hug | MCRD San Diego, CA | Fox CO Platoons 2121-2127
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Marine Corps Recruit Family Day + First Hug | MCRD San Diego, CA | Fox CO Platoons 2121-2127

"I became a Marine because I wanted to instill discipline in myself and see if I had it in me to overcome the challenges of boot camp. Now I not only have earned the title but I have also found my place in a brotherhood that will last a lifetime and have learned that the only limits we have are the ones we set for ourselves. The Marine Corps has set me up for success and has given me the mental and physical strength to tackle any obstacle that comes before me." -PFC Brody Fink

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